My whole heart ♥️
There’s so much I could say about motherhood. There are beautiful days, challenging days, and days where you feel like you’ve lost parts of yourself along the way. But more than anything, I feel thankful. Thankful for the privilege of being her mum, and for the chance to give her a safe space to grow into herself.
She’s my reminder to stay present, stay grounded, and keep building with purpose.
Thinking of every kind of mum today.
Beautiful photos by Karabo.
In 2016, Finesse, then known as Sole Finess moved from an Instagram and Tumblr page into the world as a real web store.
From launching the very first photoshoot with my bestie, through friends creating For The Honeys mixes, artist collab that became stickers and tote bags, and women who showed up, shared, and helped shape this long before any of us knew where it might lead.
Looking back at those early days now, I see how much has changed, and how much was already there. The first year was unforgiving in the best and worst ways, but the care, the curation, the aesthetic was always elite. Even then.
When I started Finesse 10 years ago, I had no idea where it would take me but having a sneaker collaboration was always the dream. This year we made it real with the FINESSE x ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 16 DESERT ROSE.
Finesse began as a space carved out for women in sneakers, a corner where we could be seen, included, and celebrated. Over the years, that space expanded into something bigger than I ever imagined. A community of friends, families, creatives, and people who genuinely care about each other. Through Finesse, I’ve met so many talented, kind, and inspiring individuals who have changed my life in ways I didn’t expect. The friendships built along the way are something I’ll always hold close.
The Desert Rose came from a desire to create a symbol of strength and resilience, a reminder that even in harsh environments, something beautiful can grow. Though it was designed by a woman, it was designed for everyone. It carries the spirit of the community that has supported Finesse for the past decade and the belief that creativity can bloom anywhere.
To the ASICS team, thank you for trusting us with this project, for supporting the vision, and for giving us the freedom to bring something so meaningful to life.
To the Finesse team, but you’re more like family. I can’t imagine another universe without you all in it, thank you for having my back from day one, and every day since.
Seeing the Desert Rose out in the real world, worn, appreciated, and taken into people’s lives is a feeling I’ll never forget. I hope it offers a sense of connection and becomes a piece of your own story 🌹
Can you believe we shot the Desert Rose campaign in the middle of a Melbourne winter?
What felt impossible came together seamlessly, the stars truly aligned for us like it was meant to be 💫
Here’s a little BTS to bring you along for the journey. Eternally grateful for the dream team who poured heart, soul and belief into every frame.
Campaign Photography: @_karabo_
Video Director, DOP, Edit & Sound Design: @bamitssam
1AC: @joshuabarreno@barrenostudio
1AD / Best Boy + BTS: @domllonzo
Talent: @karalee
#asicsdesertrose #finesse #asicssportstyle
My dearest Reggie.
Thank you for giving us your love so unconditionally. Thank you for teaching us patience, kindness, what it means to be a family, and wrapping us in your endless cuddles and warmth. Thank you for lighting up every moment in our lives, your presence was, and always will be, truely irreplaceable.
Thank you for being by my side for the past 12 years. You were such a good boy, the best boy, my best friend. My heart is broken. Your spirit will never be forgotten. I miss you so much buddy, but I’ll be right back. I will love you forever. See you at the crossroads ❤️
Each petal a thank you, for all that you do. Each shot taken is taken for you. 💙
Privileged, lucky, and deeply grateful to be a sanctuary for you, as you are for me. A bond of love that takes many forms, but always endures. Love to all the mamas, in every shape and story.
Photos by Karabo 🫶🫶🫶
